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If approved, the proposals will deliver a record investment in schools and millions of pounds for other vital front-line services such as maintaining roads and social services.

The draft budget includes an additional £7 million earmarked to support pupils with additional learning needs and a further £330,000 allocated for building maintenance, including work on school facilities.

Some of the other key investments proposed in the draft budget include:

• £100,000 for the maintenance of playgrounds, supporting the £2.5 million Playground Improvement Programme announced last year.

• £170,000 to improve the management of Aberavon Seafront, including a programme of activities.

• £200,000 for the countryside and wildlife team to maintain public rights of way

• £4.768 million to support adults and children with additional care needs.

The report also seeks Cabinet approval to begin a public consultation on a proposed council tax increase for 2026/27. While the council welcomes an increase in funding from Welsh Government, it still leaves the council with a budget shortfall of £16.623 million.

As a result of changes to the local government pension scheme contribution and thanks to the identification of more than 40 savings and income generation proposals, the council has managed to reduce this shortfall to £2.802 million. These proposals include improvements in leisure, arts, and environmental services, as well as invest-to-save projects in areas such as energy efficiency and utilities.

To close the remaining gap and continue protecting essential services, the council is proposing a 3.5% council tax increase for 2026/27. This would be equivalent to an average of £1.15 week and represents the lowest increase in recent years.

Councillor Simon Knoyle, Cabinet Member for Finance, Performance and Social Justice, said: “If approved, this will be the council’s biggest ever investment in education, reflecting its commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people.

“As a council, we are required to set a balanced budget. A rise in council tax is essential to ensure we can avoid cutting any vital frontline services that people rely on every day. This includes things such as maintaining roads, bin collections and looking after vulnerable children and adults.

“We have worked hard to ensure this proposal is the lowest council tax increase for a number of years, and I would encourage everyone to have their say during the consultation period.”

“This budget reflects not only a record investment in education but also a comprehensive commitment to supporting all residents.”

The proposals will be presented to Cabinet on Thursday, 15th January 2026.

To read the full report and view more detailed information on the council’s budget proposals, visit https://democracy.npt.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=158&MId=12858